Final Defendant in Young Dolph Murder Case Sentenced After Pleading Guilty to Second-Degree Murder
Shelby County, Tenn. — Cornelius Smith, the final defendant charged in the killing of Memphis rapper Adolph Thornton Jr., widely known as Young Dolph, was sentenced today in Shelby County Criminal Court after pleading guilty to second-degree murder.
Smith received a 20-year sentence in the Tennessee Department of Correction. His sentencing follows the conviction of Justin Johnson, who was found guilty in 2024 and sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 35 years, and the trial of Hernandez Govan, who was found not guilty on August 21, 2025, of charges including first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and attempted murder.
Smith was charged in connection with the November 17, 2021 shooting outside Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies in South Memphis, where Thornton was killed. The case drew national attention because of Thornton’s prominence as an independent artist, entrepreneur, and beloved Memphis figure.
Smith was originally indicted on charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, employment of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony, and theft of property over $10,000. The attempted murder charge involved Thornton’s brother, who was with him at the time of the shooting. The theft charge stemmed from the vehicle authorities said was used in the shooting.
“Young Dolph was a beloved member of this community, his death a tragedy, his murder an outrage,” said District Attorney General Steve Mulroy. “We’re glad to finally have this last part of the case resolved. The sentence properly reflects the gravity of the offense while giving due consideration to the cooperation this defendant provided. We hope this resolution can give Dolph’s family some sense of closure.”
Smith’s plea and sentence bring the criminal prosecution of the charged defendants in Thornton’s killing to a close. Prosecutors said Smith’s cooperation was an important factor in resolving the case, including his testimony during Johnson’s trial.
“Cornelius Smith pled guilty today to participating in the killing of Adolph Thornton Jr., more well-known as the rapper Dolph,” said Deputy DA Paul Hagerman, who tried the case. “Beyond his music, Thornton was a cherished Memphian, beloved by his family and friends, and a great believer in this city. Smith cooperated in the prosecution and testified that he and Justin Johnson killed Dolph as part of a planned gang-related hit. Johnson was convicted as charged of all charges; his appeal has been heard and denied, and he is now serving a sentence in excess of life imprisonment.
“Today, Smith received a 20-year sentence to be served without any chance of early release and without any parole. Smith’s participation in this crime is inexcusable, but Smith owned up to his crime, told the truth in court despite fear of retribution and threats, and has now accepted responsibility and received this long prison sentence. His cooperation was essential to the State’s case, and this was taken into consideration in this resolution.
“As a final note, Dolph was here in Memphis because it was his home, but he was also here to do what had become a tradition for him — a turkey giveaway for his neighborhood. Dolph believed in this place, he believed in his people, and he loved his family. His story is, and has always been, bigger than his death.”
Smith will serve his sentence in the Tennessee Department of Correction.